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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 147 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender sautéed chicken, rich butter-infused garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes, this comforting skillet meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for lighter option)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, infusing the butter with rich flavors.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine and coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and allow it to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
  • Serve immediately for optimal texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, Italian seasoning pasta, buttery garlic pasta dish